Page 24 of Perfect Strangers

“We are leaving soon. Should be there in an hour or so.”

“Okay great! I can’t wait to see you guys. Cassie is really excited. She has her first solo tonight.”

My smile grows wide as I listen to Juliette’s voice fill with admiration and pride for her daughter. “I know you must be proud of her. And I’m sure everyone is going to love her performance.”

“Yeah, I know I will. Don’t forget to bring Crew’s pajamas and his toothbrush.”

I chuckle. “You act like I’ve never let Crew sleep over someone’s house before.”

“Yes, I know. But this is the first time sleeping over at my house.”

I step into the hall and peek in on Crew. “He’ll be fine. Listen, we gotta finish getting ready. See you soon.”

“Okay. Bye.”

I press t

he red button to end the call and step into Crew’s room. I watch as he struggles with his belt and decide to assist him.

“Here, let me help you sweetie.”

He huffs, clearly dealing with the annoyance of fastening the belt properly. “Thanks.”

I fasten the belt and stretch out, grabbing his tie. He looks straight ahead as I secure his bow tie. He slides into a navy-blue blazer and looks absolutely freakin’ adorable.

“You look so handsome.”

He stands with confidence, swiping his hands in his hair, and grins. “I look good, right?”

His posture and look immediately reminds me of Major and I can’t help but feel a pit in my stomach. Brushing it off, I laugh at his expression and squeeze him with all my love. “Okay, get your stuff and your bag for Cassie’s house.”

“Mom, do I have to stay with Cassie? Why can’t I come with you?”

He gives me the sad puppy dog look that I won’t fall for, at least this time.

I bend down to his level, meeting eye to eye. “Crew, I have plans after the recital. Grown up plans, so we’re sleeping at Cassie’s house. And I’ll come home right after my plans tonight, okay?”

He frowns, “Ugh fine.”

I pull him into another hug, pressing a kiss on his cheek. With hesitation, my fingers crawl all over his body, in search of the perfect tickle spot. Crew senses my intention and tenses his body. Just at that moment, I find the perfect spot and tickle him. Bursts of laughter cry out from his small mouth as he wiggles out of my arms.

We both laugh as he recovers from my tickle attack. I stand, smiling as we calm down from our moment of fun. A few minutes later, we leave and head for the train, ready for our trip into the city.

The train arrives and we find a quiet spot towards the back of the train. Crew sits beside me and immediately starts to play games on his tablet. I pass him headphones so he won’t interrupt any of the other passengers. He whispers a ‘thank you’ to me and I nod with a smile. The train pulls away from the station, making its way towards the New York City.

My nerves of the future start to creep up as my mind begins to wander. It’s been three weeks since Major and I have re-kindled. We’ve talked on the phone multiple times a week, and I’ve been to the city once to see him.

Of course, I didn’t get the courage to tell him about Crew, but tonight, I have to. I can’t put it off any longer. The longer I wait, the worse it’ll be and Major will never forgive me. Well, that’s if, he forgives me to not telling him for the past six years.

My eyes move toward Crew and I feel that similar pit in my stomach grow. I know I’ve done wrong by Major. I should have told him that night. To be honest, I don’t even know where to begin. I have the next couple hours to think of the right things to say.

Is there a right thing to say at this point? It could be too late by then.

My body fills with anxiety and at that moment, my cellphone chimes with a text notification. I glance down to see it’s only the man I can’t stop thinking about.

Major: Can’t wait to see you tonight.

A smirk spreads across my face as I read his message and I can’t help but feel worse.

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